Journal for Plague Lovers [Import]

Manic Street Preachers | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (May 19, 2009)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Import
• Label: 101 DISTRIBUTION
• ASIN: B0020HRI8I
• In-Print Editions: Audio CD  |  Vinyl
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #14,763 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #53 in Music > Alternative Rock > British Alternative > Britpop

Track Listings

1. Peeled Apples

2. Jackie Collins Existential Question Time

3. Me And Stephen Hawking

4. This Joke Sport Severed

5. Journal For Plague Lovers

6. She Bathed Herself In A Bath Of Bleach

7. Facing Page: Top Left

8. Marlon J.D.

9. Doors Closing Slowly

10. All Is Vanity

11. Pretension/Repulsion

12. Virginia State Epileptic Colony

13. William's Last Words

Editorial Reviews

2009 release, the ninth studio album from the Welsh Alt-Rockers. The album follows the hugely successful and critically acclaimed 2007 release Send Away The Tigers, and the induction of the band into the NME's Hall Of Fame with their naming as the NME Godlike Genius for 2008. Produced by Steve Albini and recorded live at Rockfield Studios in Wales during the Winter of 2008, the album features lyrics left behind by former guitarist Richey Edwards across all 13 new tracks. An original piece of Jenny Saville's art is the cover of Journal for Plague Lovers, whose painting graced the cover of 1994's `The Holy Bible'. Musically the band draw on their classic Holy Bible sound with elements of Nirvana's In Utero, as well as a delicate, beautiful acoustic side.13 tracks. Columbia.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A career highlight, June 2, 2009

By 

V. C. Castillo (Glendale, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Journal for Plague Lovers (Audio CD)

Everyone will be talking about the lyrics left behind by Richey Edwards, but it's the music on Journal for Plague Lovers that makes the album really worth listening. The Manic Street Preachers have long been masters of soaring choruses and catchy hooks, and this album combines the brash hard rock of their younger years with the pop sensibilities culled from their maturity and wisdom. "Marlon J.D.", whose melody was significantly contributed by Nicky Wire, and hidden track "Bag Lady" are some of the best examples of this formula; and are sure to go down as classics. Steve Albini's mix brings to the forefront two of the Manics' best musical assets--James Dean Bradfield's mighty voice and oft-unsung drummer Sean Moore's efforts. May be a difficult initial listen, but repeated spins will be rewarded.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Another amazing Manics album, reminiscent of the Holy Bible, March 20, 2010

By 

S. A. Saribay (Istanbul, TR) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Journal for Plague Lovers (Audio CD)

If you are a Manic Street Preachers fan, whether you've been disappointed with some of their recent efforts or -like me- you've managed to adore pretty much everything they've released, you should definitely get this album because it is without doubt one of the most coherent and vibrant ones they've released in the past decade.

I find JFPL to be reminiscent of The Holy Bible in its shorter, more abrupt lines (lyrics-wise) and James' use of his guitars. I think it wouldn't be wrong to say this is the closest they've come to THB ever. And I thought the glory of THB could never be replicated, whether by MSP or any other band, and yet they almost managed with JFPL. I was amazed that the aging MSP managed to produce such a passionate record again. I would rank it above any of their post-EMG efforts, even though I love them all. You can imagine my delight...

As usual, many people will keep on criticizing the MSP even on this album for whatever reasons, as if they can produce a single note even 10% as passionate as this band's lowest point. I am biased in the other direction. Whatever anybody says, I do not find a single other band more worthy of attention and praise than the MSP.

4.0 out of 5 stars Manic Street Preachers - A Unique Find, October 12, 2010

By 

Steven Sly (Kalamazoo, MI United States) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Journal for Plague Lovers (Audio CD)

The Street preachers are another band that I have been curious about for a while, but never heard. They are not very well known here in the U.S. but fairly big in Europe so I am told. Anyway, I finally decided to pick up one of their discs. I am not really sure if this one is a good representative as a starter, but I do like what I hear. Apparently this album takes the lyrics from founding band member Richie Edwards who disappeared (and is presumed dead) back about 10 years ago. The lyrics are taken from his journal and put to music here. Some of the lyrics have a disjointed feel to them which is not totally unexpected from patched together material. There are weird, but get under your skin with repeated listens. Musically I love the way these guys fuse punk with a more straight ahead classic rock. They also haul out the acoustic guitars on occasion and one track even sounds like Rush to my ears. The whole mix is difficult to describe, but these guys really are unique. I can't think of anyone else who sounds quite like them. I am definitely going to check out more from this band.